All posts by CPNN Coordinator

About CPNN Coordinator

Dr David Adams is the coordinator of the Culture of Peace News Network. He retired in 2001 from UNESCO where he was the Director of the Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, proclaimed for the Year 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly.

Morocco: Combating the radicalization of young people via the Internet

TOLERANCE AND SOLIDARITY .

An article by LesEco (translation by CPNN)

La Rabita Mohammedia des Oulémas has just launched a project to fight against the radicalization of young people online. Objective: fight against hate speech and make young people aware of the dangers that the Internet and social networks can present. Funded by the Government of Japan, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program, the implementation agreement for this project was signed by Takashi Shinozuka, Japanese Ambassador to Morocco, Edward Christow, UNDP Resident Representative in Morocco, and Ahmed Abbadi, secretary general of the Rabita Mohammedia des Ulemas.

According to Ahmed Abbadi, this project aims to protect adolescents and young people from the scourges of violent extremism, whether on the ground or in their digital dimension. It also aims to immunize them against hate speech by supporting them to become influential on the Internet in order to prevent and inspire their interlocutors. He added that the project was long-term in order to help young people acquire the tools and skills necessary to fight extremism of all kinds. The success of this project depends mainly on the preparation of attractive and catchy content for young people, says Ahmed Abbadi. La Rabita has launched several interactive Internet games with the aim of promoting the culture of peace and moderation, as well as the rejection of violence and extremism.

(Article continued in the right column)

(Click here for the original French version of this article.)

Question for this article

Islamic extremism, how should it be opposed?

(Article continued from the left column)

According to the same source, the Rabita is preparing a virtual influencer guide to help young people acquire the skills to become effective influencers on the Internet. The same source specifies that Japan and the UNDP, much more than donors, will also be partners in this project.

In this regard, the Japanese Ambassador to Morocco declared: “We believe that this project is also a response to a concern for the immunization of Moroccan society against the cybernetic threats which threaten the youth.” He added that the religious radicalism leading to violence is a universal problem. Takashi Shinozuka also indicates that this funding supports Morocco in its fight against the risks of online radicalization of young people, in particular by preventing and informing about the dangers that social networks can represent.

For his part, Edward Christow affirmed that this project was the fruit of several months of joint work between the Rabita Mohammedia of the Ulemas, the Embassy of Japan and the UNDP, adding that the three partners will continue their collaboration for the implementation of this project. He also said that this project, which aims to support the production and publication of video footage on social media, will depend on Rabita’s experience in this area. It will ensure an online presence through the social networks of the Rabita and the UNDP. In this context, a group of Rabita experts will be able to meet Japanese experts working in the field of conflict prevention and peace promotion, and organize an international workshop in Morocco on best practices in this field.

Funding for this project amounts to 454,545 USD, or more than 4 million MDH. It revolves around 4 main objectives, including carrying out a diagnosis of the risks associated with online radicalization content targeting young people, and supporting national stakeholders in the use of information and communication technologies and media to prevent violent extremism and hate speech. It is also about sensitizing young Moroccans through social networks on the importance of promoting an alternative discourse, the spirit of cooperation and the sharing of experiences in the prevention of violent extremism online. Spanning a period of one year, this project will have a major impact on young people and on Moroccan society as a whole, concludes Edward Christow.

Toluca, Mexico, establishes more than 150 Peace Centers

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

An article from Diario Portal (translation by CPNN)

The municipal government of Toluca continues with firm steps towards its goal of building a more just society and with a culture of peace, in which the general well-being is promoted and violence is prevented. An example of this are the more than 150 Centers of Peace that it has established up to now.

Formed under the Municipal Plan for the Promotion of Peace, Development and the Environment at the initiative of Mayor Juan Rodolfo Sánchez Gómez, this project was implemented with trained people, called Agents of Peace and Development, who can meet the needs of each space promoting peace

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(Click here for the Spanish original of this article)

Questions for this article:

How can culture of peace be developed at the municipal level?

Is there progress towards a culture of peace in Mexico?

(continued from left column)

During the contingency due to COVID-19, municipal personnel have worked hard, with the necessary sanitary measures, and constituted 113 Peace Centers, 35 of them in schools including the “Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez” Elementary School in the evening shift, the Executive University of State of Mexico, the Paulo Freire School and the “David Paul Ausubel SC” Educational Institute, to name a few.

Likewise, eight children’s creches have joined including Carmen Rodríguez, Julieta Lechuga de Pichardo and Carmen Maza de Del Mazo; 12 delegations such as San Cristóbal Huichochitlán, Sánchez, Santa Cruz Atzcatpotzaltongo, San Felipe Tlalmimilolpan and La Maquinita; three churches such as the parish “San Pablo Apóstol” in San Pablo Autopan and the Capilla del Salvador in San Cristóbal Huichochitlán; 11 health centers, six clinics, six companies such as Manufactureras Qualy, three markets and the 26 libraries of Toluca.

These institutions are in addition to the Peace Centers established before the pandemic, 40 in total: 26 schools, five delegations, two churches and seven companies.

As part of the program, specialized municipal staff in the respective institution elaborate a diagnosis and the factors they wish to influence, to later establish a specific program designed to meet the needs of the population in each environment, in order to increase the factors to protect peace and to reduce risk factors.

Amnesty International : US State Department’s attack on the BDS movement violates freedom of expression and endangers human rights protection

… . HUMAN RIGHTS … .

An article from Amnesty International

Responding to the United States Department of State announcement designating the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement as antisemitic and planning to identify organizations supporting BDS with a view to reviewing and halting their funding, Bob Goodfellow, the Interim Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, issued the below statement:

“The Department of State’s targeting of groups advocating for using peaceful means, such as boycotts, to end human rights violations against Palestinians as antisemitic violates freedom of expression and is a gift to those who seek to silence, harass, intimidate and oppress those standing up for human rights around the world. This is simply the latest attack from a US government determined to undermine the universality of human rights and the global fight against racism and discrimination, including antisemitism.

(Article continued in right column)

 

Question related to this article:

Presenting the Palestinian side of the Middle East, Is it important for a culture of peace?

(Article continued from left column)

“Advocating for boycotts, divestment and sanctions is a form of non-violent advocacy and of free expression that must be protected. Advocates of boycotts should be allowed to express their views freely and take forward their campaigns without harassment, threats of prosecution or criminalization, or other measures that violate the right to freedom of expression. Instead of attacking and restricting BDS activities the US should end such measures and instead ensure that BDS advocates are free to express their views and take forward their campaigns without harassment or threats of prosecution.”

“The US administration is following Israeli government’s approach in using false and politically motivated accusations of antisemitism to harm peaceful activists, including human rights defenders, and shield from accountability those responsible for illegal actions that harm people in Israel, in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and here at home. The process comes across as particularly hypocritical and deceitful coming from an administration that has emboldened neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other groups who advocate violence and discrimination, shown a callous disregard for international law, and favored Israeli policies that result in institutionalized discrimination and systematic human rights violations against millions of Palestinians.

“This process also hurts Jewish people by equating Israel with Judaism and likening criticism of Israeli government policies and practices to antisemitism. It undermines our work in the Middle East and other regions to protect the rights of religious and other minorities.

“We will continue to support our Israeli and Palestinian colleagues, including BDS activists, who like human rights defenders around the world, speak up when justice, freedom, truth, and dignity are denied.”

France: Thousands protest against bill to curb filming of police

. . HUMAN RIGHTS . .

An article from DW Akademie

Several thousand people marched in French cities on Saturday to protest a draft law that would make it a crime to circulate an image of a police officer’s face with the intention that they be harmed, in a move condemned as an afront to press freedom.


The largest gathering was at the Trocadero Square near the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Journalist groups, as well as the Yellow Vest and Extinction Rebellion movements, and demonstrators waving flags of the communist and green parties attended the protests.

Thousands of protesters chanted “Freedom, freedom” and “Everyone wants to film the police.” Some also held signs that read: “We’ll put down our phones when you put down your weapons.”

Similar demonstrations took place in Marseille, Lille, Montpellier, Rennes, Saint-Etienne and Nice.

Supporters of the law say police officers and their families need protection from harassment, both online and in-person when off duty. Opponents say the law would infringe journalists’ freedom to report, and make it harder to hold police accountable for abuses such as excessive use of force.

Offenders would face a maximum penalty of up to one year in prison and a €45,000 ($53,000) fine.

(article continued in right column)

Click here for an article on this subject in French)

Questions related to this article:

How effective are mass protest marches?

(article continued from left column)

‘A green light for the worst elements’

Edwy Plenel, chief editor of the investigative news website Mediapart, said the proposed legislation was a “green light for the worst elements in the police.”

“Those in power are increasingly trying to prevent citizens, journalists and whistleblowers from revealing the failures of the state. When this happens, democracy fades away,” said Plenel.

“We are not here to defend a privilege of our profession, press freedom and journalists’ freedom. We are here to defend fundamental rights, the rights of all people,” he added.

The Office of the UN High commissioner for Human Rights, and France’s human rights ombudsman, have also voiced concerns that the draft law could undermine fundamental rights.

In response to widespread criticism, Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Thursday that the measure would be amended to specify that it “won’t impede the freedom of information” and that it will focus only on images broadcast with “clear” intent to harm a police officer.

However, critics say the amendment does not go far enough. Emmanuel Poupard, secretary-general of the National Journalists Union (SNJ), said that he thinks the new amendment still “doesn’t change anything.”

The law “has only one goal: to boost the sense of impunity of law enforcement officers and make invisible police brutality,” said Poupard.

Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on the bill on Tuesday.

In July, three French police officers were charged with manslaughter over the death of a delivery man, Cedric Chouviat, that bystanders caught on video. Chouviat’s death had similarities with the killing of George Floyd in the United States, which sparked mass protests around the world, including in France.

France: Youth in Normandy Mobilize for Human Rights and the Freedom Prize

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

Special to CPNN from Gwenaëlle Beauvais, Territorial Director, UNIS CITE Normandie (translation by CPNN)

For more than 20 years, the Unis Cité association has mobilized young people, in teams and in diversity, to carry out missions of general interest. The goal of these young people: is to find meaning by making themselves useful to others, to find their place in their relations with different people and opinions, to train and gain self-confidence.

(continued in right column)

Question related to this article:
 
Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

(continued from left column)

This year, in Normandy, 48 volunteers are mobilizing to meet with high school students across the region to raise awareness about Human Rights and Freedom. They are trained by the Institute of Human Rights and supported by the Regional Council to initiate debates with the pupils, to make them think and to support their engagement within the framework of the initiative Freedom Prize.

This program allows young people to speak freely and, thanks to the exchange between peers, to promote the initiative and expression of high school students in the region. It is part of a unique system , the Freedom Prize, which invites young people aged 15 to 25 from Normandy, other regions of France and internationally, to nominate each year a person or an organization engaged in a recent fight and exemplary in favor of freedom.

Recent winners of the Freedom Prize have been :
— 2019: Greta Thunberg, Swedish environmental activist committed to the fight against global warming
— 2020: Loujain Al Hathloul, Saudi women’s rights activist

(Click here for the original French version of this article)

Past Virtual Events – November 20 -25

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Here are events from November 20-25 that were previously listed on the CPNN page for upcoming virtual events. Unless otherwise noted the events are in English.

November 20, 2020 : 8:30am – 1:00pm CST (15:30 – 20:00 CET) Zoom

6th Annual Texas Women, Peace, and Security Symposium
— 1325 + 20: Celebrating the Anniversary of 1325 and Looking Towards the Future. The Texas Symposium on Women, Peace, and Security is designed to bring together academics, practitioners, and policymakers who are interested in advancing the goals of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
— Description : The Texas Symposium on Women, Peace, and Security is designed to bring together academics, practitioners, and policymakers who are interested in advancing the goals of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The WPS agenda also suggests that national security and human security must proceed hand in hand for peace to be durable and just, including issues that some might see as normally within the scope of national security, such as education, health, and welfare. Women’s perspectives and voice on issues of national security has been sorely lacking, and this symposium is a contribution to the rectification of that deficiency. The Texas Symposium on WPS also aspires to showcase Texas-based scholarship, philanthropy, programming, and policy on these important issues.
— Information : October 31st, 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark resolution UNSCR 1325. In order to commemorate the past successes and acknowledge the future implications of this resolution, the 6th Annual Texas WPS Symposium will bring together internationally recognized policymakers, practitioners, and academics who have worked alongside UNSCR 1325 to ensure the increased participation of women in matters of national security. The symposium will be held on Zoom. Registered participants will be invited via Zoom link. Questions for the speakers will be moderated by Morgan Mitchell and can be emailed to her at during the panels.
Register online

November 20, 2020 – 12:00pm ET

The Global Campaign for Peace Education (GCPE) is thrilled to invite you to join “Youth Leading the Movement: A Global Dialogue on Anti-Racism,” a webinar focused on foregrounding youth voices in the current anti-racism and anti-ethnic discrimination movement around the world.
— The webinar’s goal is three-fold: 1) facilitate a productive global dialogue on the issues of racial and ethnic discrimination, 2) act as an empowering platform for youth voices in the peaceworking space, and 3) explore the approach of peace education as a means to transform oppressive systems.
— To this end, the webinar will feature 3, 20-minute panels, providing a space for youth activists from 3 of the following world regions: USA & Canada, Eastern Europe & Eurasia, and Southeast Asia. Following the panels, there will be a 30 minute Q&A session where panelists and members of the audience will be able to engage directly with each other.
click here to register to join the zoom session
— Alternatively, you can watch the event live via our Facebook page (no registration required).

Saturday, November 21, 2020, 2:00 – 4:00pm (Japan Time)

Goi Peace Foundation Forum 2020
“Creating a Better World for Future Generations”
— As always when great collective changes are needed, everything starts with a personal change, an intimate mutation:
acting on ourselves to prepare to act in the world, so that it remains liveable for us.
We then discover that acting on ourselves is, in itself, an action on the world. ― Jacques Attali
— In 2020, the world was brought to a standstill, urgently prompting humanity to re-examine our ways of living and being. What kind of life do we want to live, and what kind of future society do we want to create?
— We invite you to take a deep dive into these pressing questions, together with this year’s Goi Peace Award Laureate, Dr. Jacques Attali. He will be joined by philosopher Dr. Hiroshi Tasaka for an insightful conversation bringing together wisdom from West and East.
— Japanese-English simultaneous interpretation available.
Sign up for free

Nov 21, 2020

The UNAC Youth Against Empire will sponsor a webinar call, “Anti-Imperialist election Response: Youth Fight Back
— Speakers will include representatives of the following organizations:
ANAKBAYAN
International Action Center
Sanctions Kill
Black Alliance for Peace
Pan-African Action Committee
CODEPINK
Minnesota Anti-War Committee
Resist US Led War
More to be announced
— Time : 4:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register here

Wednesday 25 November 2020

In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the African Union Office of Youth Envoy will convene the High-Level Intergenerational Dialogue to present the “Africa Young Women Beijing+25 Manifesto”
— Keynote Speaker : H.E. Mrs. Jeannette Nyiramongi Kagame – First Lady of Rwanda
— Other speakers :
— H.E. Mrs Imen Houimel – Ministry of Women, Family and Elder People – Republic of Tunisia
— H.E. Mrs. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh – Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the UN Office to the African Union
— H.E. Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka – UN Women Executive Director
— H.E. Mrs Bineta Diop, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security
— Master Of Ceremony: Ms Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019
— The event will take place at 2:00 PM GMT+3
— Interprétation disponible en Anglais, Français, Arabe et Portugais.
— Register Here; https://bit.ly/Global-IGD

Burkina Faso: Blanche Bana wins the Sotigui Awards 2020

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article from My Africa Infos (translation by CPNN)

It is with tears of joy that the famous Cameroonian actress Bana Blanche, expressed her gratitude to all of Africa during her presentation of the trophy which recognizes her as the best actress in Central Africa.


SOTIGUI Awards, the event which rewards artists of the 7th art over the past four years has placed particular emphasis on women at its 5th edition. Selected under the theme: culture of peace: what are the contributions from women in the cinema and audiovisual industry. Sotigui Awards once again honored African cinema and rewarded several artists in Burkina Faso on November 14th.

(continued in right column)

(Click here for the original French version of this article.)

Question for this article:

Film festivals that promote a culture of peace, Do you know of others?

(continued from left column)

The thousands of difficulties linked to the COVID 19 pandemic did not prevent the organizers from bringing together the big actors of cinema in Africa and honoring the best. This 5th Edition of the Sotigui Awards rolled out the red carpet to Blanche Bana, a Cameroonian actress who has been the pride of the cinema of her native land for some time now.

In fact, Blanche Bana made a majestic entry into the world of cinematography in 2012. Since that date, the young girl has not ceased to shine in the spotlight and to attract the attention of the Cameroonian public with admiration. Following the crazy success of its beginnings: THE PACKAGE 1 and 2 (a film directed by Parfait Zambo), Blanche Bana was especially popularized by the communication giants, like MyAfricaInfos which did not hesitate to grant her an interview.

Very quickly Bana blanche rose through the ranks by directing short and feature films, series, and was solicited for advertising spots. Shortly after, the courage and determination of this young actress led her to international stages. Recognized as a gold bar of Cameroonian cinema, Blanche Bana won the prize for best actress of Cameroon in 2015 at the prestigious Ecrans Noirs Festival. In 2017, the beautiful actress took her first flight to Morocco and was counted among the guests of honor at several festivals, including the Agadir migration festival.

Upcoming Virtual Events

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

At CPNN, we are beginning to receive notices of free virtual events concerning the culture of peace. In order to inform our readership of these events, we will try an experiment: a “rolling article” about these events. We will try to update the listing every day or two, removing the events that are past (see for past events) and adding new events as they are received at our contact email address. To be included here, an event must be free and must provide a registration link. Unless otherwise indicated the events are in English.


Zoom is one of many new technologies available for virtual conferences.

Saturday, November 21, 2020, 2:00 – 4:00pm (Japan Time)

Goi Peace Foundation Forum 2020
“Creating a Better World for Future Generations”
— As always when great collective changes are needed, everything starts with a personal change, an intimate mutation:
acting on ourselves to prepare to act in the world, so that it remains liveable for us.
We then discover that acting on ourselves is, in itself, an action on the world. ― Jacques Attali
— In 2020, the world was brought to a standstill, urgently prompting humanity to re-examine our ways of living and being. What kind of life do we want to live, and what kind of future society do we want to create?
— We invite you to take a deep dive into these pressing questions, together with this year’s Goi Peace Award Laureate, Dr. Jacques Attali. He will be joined by philosopher Dr. Hiroshi Tasaka for an insightful conversation bringing together wisdom from West and East.
— Japanese-English simultaneous interpretation available.
Sign up for free

Nov 21, 2020

The UNAC Youth Against Empire will sponsor a webinar call, “Anti-Imperialist election Response: Youth Fight Back
— Speakers will include representatives of the following organizations:
ANAKBAYAN
International Action Center
Sanctions Kill
Black Alliance for Peace
Pan-African Action Committee
CODEPINK
Minnesota Anti-War Committee
Resist US Led War
More to be announced
— Time : 4:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register here

Wednesday 25 November 2020

In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the African Union Office of Youth Envoy will convene the High-Level Intergenerational Dialogue to present the “Africa Young Women Beijing+25 Manifesto”
— Keynote Speaker : H.E. Mrs. Jeannette Nyiramongi Kagame – First Lady of Rwanda
— Other speakers :
— H.E. Mrs Imen Houimel – Ministry of Women, Family and Elder People – Republic of Tunisia
— H.E. Mrs. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh – Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the UN Office to the African Union
— H.E. Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka – UN Women Executive Director
— H.E. Mrs Bineta Diop, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security
— Master Of Ceremony: Ms Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019
— The event will take place at 2:00 PM GMT+3
— Interprétation disponible en Anglais, Français, Arabe et Portugais.
— Register Here; https://bit.ly/Global-IGD

Nov 28, 2020

Stop the War Coalition : Prospects for War & Peace After the US Elections
— What does the election of Joe Biden mean for UK foreign policy? On one hand the president-elect has called for an end to US support for the Saudi-led war on Yemen, yet on the other he appears committed to escalating tensions with China. All of which will have major ramifications for British foreign policy. Boris Johnson’s unveiling of a huge military spending increase seems designed to please the new US president and demonstrate that the UK remains a devoted ally.
— As Donald Trump’s tenure comes to an end are we expecting huge shifts in foreign policy or more of the same?
— Join us for this fringe session of the North West Connected conference to discuss all of this and how the anti-war movement can organise against it with:
– Richard Burgon MP
– Lindsey German
– Sarah Cundy (Manchester Momentum Vice Chair)
– Jenny Clegg (Greater Manchester Stop the War)
– Rashida Islam (Greater Manchester Stop the War)
Time : 01:00 PM in London
Register here

Past Virtual Events: November 11-19

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Here are events from November 11 to 19 that were previously listed on the CPNN page for upcoming virtual events. Unless otherwise noted the events are in English.

26 October – 18 November

WSFTE 2020 – Part II
The World Social Forum on Transformative Economies continues to unfold and move forward, with challenges more urgent than ever in a world in full reconfiguration. In the framework of the new conditions, the registration of participants, organizations, activities and initiatives has been reopened !
You can register or log your self managed activity HERE.
Continue here to know HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Access the PROGRAM
November 4 : Presentation of the selected initiatives of the techno-scientific challenge and knowledge.
November 9 : Presentation of the selected initiatives of the environmental challenge.
November 11 : Inter-confluences I
November 16 : Inter-confluences II
November 18 : Closing and presentation of the Transformative Economies agenda

November 5 and 12 (in Spanish)

The UNESCO CHAIR: Citizenship, Coexistence and Pluralism invites you to the conferences of:
” SCHOOL OF DEMOCRACY ”
Thursday, November 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Spanish time)
CONFERENCE: “THE DECADENCE OF PARLIAMENTARIANISM”
AGUSTÍN RUIZ ROBLEDO, Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Granada.
Thursday, November 12 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Spanish time)
CONFERENCE: “THE RISE OF THE EXTREME RIGHT”
MIGUEL ÁNGEL SIMÓN, Doctor in Political Science and Public Administration
Free registration through the following link: https://bit.ly/37djSKi

November 5, 12 and 19

November 5, 12, & 19, 2020: Nonviolent Action Lab with the Pace e Bene Team. As we gear up to use nonviolent action if needed to defend democracy in the wake of the November 3 election, people are organizing nonviolent actions and we’re here to help! Learn more and register for these free sessions here.

Wednesday – Nov 11, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

International Peace Bureau Webinar. With the Biden campaign’s victory in the US 2020 election, many expect large changes in policies. However, the US’ role as a hegemonic global power has maintained a level of consistency throughout decades of different administrations. What can we expect to change and what will remain the same?
We have invited three US peace activists to share their insights with us:
— Joseph Gerson, president of the Campaign for Peace, Disarmament and Common Security
— Emily Rubino, Director of Policy and Outreach at Peace Action New York State
— Kevin Martin, President of Peace Action
Register by sending an email to info@ipb-office.berlin
Or simply join with the following details:
https://zoom.us/j/97839342293 Meeting ID: 978 3934 2293

November 11-13

COVENTRY’S RISING Global Peace Forum will go ahead next week despite the latest Coronavirus lockdown.
— Organisers of the internationally-recognised event, taking place from November 11 to 13, have decided to move the whole event online in light of the Government’s new restrictions.
The annual event, now in its fifth year, was due to have been held as a ‘virtual hybrid’ event at Coventry Cathedral and live-streamed online to reach its global audience with only UK-based speakers and around 50 delegates in physical attendance.
— The revised plan means that the whole event will now take place online and without any face-to-face gathering in the Cathedral.
— The ‘Culture of Peace’ theme of this year’s event recognises that as well as being the UK’s only City of Peace and Reconciliation, Coventry will be the UK City of Culture for 2021.
— The Forum will also be the main event in the run-up to the 80th anniversary of the bombing of the Cathedral in 1940 on November 14, which led to the City of Peace and Reconciliation status.
— Prof Mike Hardy, chair of RISING, said: “This year’s RISING Global Peace Forum has so many great speakers lined up that we were determined not to let the Covid-19 lockdown prevent us from sharing their inspiring ideas.
— “It has a more important role than ever in promoting peace at a time of huge global uncertainty and by being held online, will be more accessible and therefore able to attract a larger audience from around the world.”
— Speakers include writer and broadcaster Afua Hirsch, who has recently fronted BBC Two’s Enslaved with Samuel L Jackson, Judge Shira Scheindlin, who famously ruled on police use of stop and search in the US, commentator Will Self, and Daniel Bruce, CEO of Transparency International UK.
— Prof Sir David King, former government Chief Scientific Adviser and Special Representative for Climate Change, will also deliver the Lord Mayor’s Peace Lecture on the environment and Covid-19 on November 12.
— The Forum is free to access and to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rising-20-the-culture-of-peace-tickets-79314510837

Nov 18, 2020 06:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Venezuelans Want to Vote! Defending Venezuelan Elections Against US Intervention
— A discussion with Venezuelan peace organizations on the upcoming legislative elections in Venezuela and how peace forces around the world can help protect the people’s right to vote in the face of U.S. blockade and intervention.
— Organized by: Simon Bolivar Institute (ISB) — Venezuela; Committee for International Solidarity and the Struggle for Peace (COSI) — Venezuela; U.S. Peace Council; Canadian Peace Congress
— Moderator: Bahman Azad, Executive Secretary of U.S. Peace Council
–Speakers: Carlos Ron, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Gabriel Aguirre, General Secretary, Committee for Peace and International Solidarity; Miguel Figueroa, President, Canadian Peace Congress; Margaret Flowers, Director, Popular Resistance; Ajamu Baraka, National Organizer, Black Alliance for Peace; Monisha Rios, International Affairs Coordinator, VAMOS Puerto Rico; Vijay Prashad, Executive-Director, Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research
— Followed by Q/A Period
— Language: English & Spanish
Click here to register

Past Virtual Events: October 30-November 10

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Here are events between October 30 and November 10 that were previously listed on the CPNN page for upcoming virtual events. Unless otherwise noted the events are in English.

October 30

17:00 – 19:00 CET. Do Black Lives Matter in British History? A Conversation with Professor David Olusoga OBE. David Olusoga is a British-Nigerian historian, broadcaster and BAFTA award-winning presenter and filmmaker. His television series include Black and British: A Forgotten History, A House Through Time, Civilisations, and The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files. His books on colonialism and empire have won numerous accolades, including the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize. His latest book is Black and British: A Short Essential History. Join Aston University students and staff for a virtual conversation with Professor Olusoga. Admission is free and open to the public.
This live online event is organised and hosted by the Department of History, Languages and Translation at Aston University.

October 30

The Office of the Envoy of the African Union for Youth in collaboration with the Women, Gender and Development Directorate will organize the Baraza Beijing + 25 of the Youth of North Africa, as part of the “Beijing + 25 Mobilization of Young African Women” co-organized with the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Young Women Leaders Caucus and the International Youth Task Force for Beijing + 25.

October 30

Invitation: UN75 Dialogue in observance of World Cities Day
Better City, Better Life:: Valuing our Communities & Cities
Friday, October 30, 2020 3:00 PM – 5:45 PM (New York time)
Hosted by the Permanent Mission of Slovakia and the Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN, NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY and UN-Habitat
Our UN75 Dialogue in observance of World Cities Day: “Better City, Better Life: Valuing our Communities and Cities” will address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our communities and cities while strengthening our resilience to build back better. Thnt World Urban Forum – WUF10 and the UN Economist Network for the UN 75th Anniversary: Shaping the Trends of Our Time Report showed us the megatrends which shape our world. The present report focuses on five of these megatrends: climate change; demographic shifts, particularly population ageing; urbanization; the emergence of digital technologies and inequalities. While many are utilizing innovative communication platforms that allow for better engagement to strengthen the resilience of their communities and cities, through the pandemic, others without access are falling further behind. It is vitally important that we continue our focus on the SDGs and the UN2030 SD Agenda to build partnerships with Member States, UN-Habitat, national and local authorities as well as stakeholders from civil society and the private sector in order to be better prepared to achieve the inclusive, safe, resilient and healthier future we want with the UN we need – to “Leave No One Behind.”

November 2

You are invited to a follow-up webinar on Target 2045: A new rallying call for nuclear weapons elimination , which was one of the calls made in the appeal Protect People and the Planet: Appeal for a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World.. The event will take place on Monday November 2 from 10am-11:30am Eastern Time (USA). It will include presentations from:
·       H.E. Mr Magzhan Ilyassov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations;
·       Mr Ramesh Jaura, Editor-in-Chief & Director-General, IDN-InDepth News, flagship agency of the non-profit International Press Syndicate group;
·       Mr Saber Chowdhury MP, Honorary President, Inter-Parliamentary Union. Co-President, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament;
·       Ms Vanda Proskova, Vice-Chair, PragueVision Institute for Sustainable Security. Co-chair, Abolition 2000 Youth Network.
 The presentations will be followed by comments, questions and answers from the audience. Click here for the event flyer.

November 2-6

2 – 6 November 2020, the Geneva Center for Peacebuilding is hosting a free online event called Geneva Peace Week. All week there will be talks and lectures freely available to anyone. This year, the theme of the week is “Rebuilding trust after disruption: Pathways to reset international cooperation”. It is meant to have speakers and participants from around the world, sharing learning on peacebuilding and facilitating interactive discussions. Seems to be well organized for facilitating online participation. It’s free to sign up and attendees can participate in live workshop sessions. Details on how to participate are at the following link: https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/3030/

November 5 and 12 (in Spanish)

The UNESCO CHAIR: Citizenship, Coexistence and Pluralism invites you to the conferences of:
” SCHOOL OF DEMOCRACY ”
Thursday, November 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Spanish time)
CONFERENCE: “THE DECADENCE OF PARLIAMENTARIANISM”
AGUSTÍN RUIZ ROBLEDO, Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Granada.
Thursday, November 12 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Spanish time)
CONFERENCE: “THE RISE OF THE EXTREME RIGHT”
MIGUEL ÁNGEL SIMÓN, Doctor in Political Science and Public Administration
Free registration through the following link: https://bit.ly/37djSKi

November 7

The Peace Studies Program and the Centre for Peace Studies at McMaster Universitycpresents The 20th Annual Mahatma Gandhi Lecture on Nonviolence: From the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter
Reflections by Rev. James Lawson and The Hon. Jean Augustine
Saturday, November 7, 2020, 4-6pm EST
Rev. James M. Lawson Jr.
An activist, minister, and the pioneer of nonviolence in the American Civil Liberties Movement. Reverend James M. Lawson Jr. was inspired by  Gandhi’s use of nonviolence  in securing justice and peace. Dr. Martin Luther King described Rev. Lawson as “the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world.” 
The Hon. Jean Augustine
The Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine made history as the first Black woman elected to Canada’s Parliament and served from 1993-2006.  Her legislative successes include the historic Black History Month Motion. She has dedicated her life to  the pursuit of social justice.
To join the event, click on: https://youtu.be/t1uZ6gURHb0
 If you have any questions about this event, please contact Director,Centre for Peace Studies, Dr. ChandrimaChakraborty (chandri@mcmaster.ca)

Tuesday, November 10th, 2020

Join us this Tuesday 6 pm PDT, 9 pm EDT and visit with Dot Maver – who is our founding Executive Director, and co-founder of the Global Alliance for Ministries and Infrastructures of Peace, the Global Silent Minute, the National Peace Academy, and the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding. In 2004, Dot served as National Campaign Manager for Kucinich for President.
Dot’s “keynote” is “inspiring cooperation on behalf of the common good,” and she consistently delivers on that theme.
We will also hear an update from the Department of Peacebuilding Committee, and we hope to hear from YOU! Join the Conversation!!
Once again, we will be hosting our Monthly Field Call using Zoom technology. Those who download the Zoom software can join the call using video tools – seeing the speakers and being seen if you wish. Others may phone in as usual, using the number provided via email after you register.
Here is the link to Register for this Call!